KHYBER: At least nine members of a family were diagnosed with dengue fever in Sur Kamar area of Jamrud tehsil here on Saturday.

The local health officials told Dawn that the confirmed cases included men, women and children.

They said health teams were sent to the area, where they distributed mosquito nets to dengue patients, while the affected house was fumigated.

Officials said they collected water samples from a number of the local houses and found dengue larva in them. They said the health teams carried out an awareness campaign in the surrounding areas asking people to cover water tanks and utensils to prevent larva breeding.

Meanwhile, the prolonged water shortage and power cuts have been reported in Malagori area of Jamrud tehsil.

The residents of Lowarra Maina, Jawarra Maina, Tatara, Barra Darra, Murad Dhand and Shaheed Maina area complained that they had been suffering from an acute shortage of drinking water for a long time, while the Pesco had subjected them to the excessive power outages.

They said many families had shifted to nearby villages, where drinking water was available.

Social activist retired Subedar Sabz Ali complained that the areas facing water shortages were located close to the Warsak dam, while the Pesco offices were also situated nearby.

He demanded of the local administration to ensure smooth water and electric supply to the relief of the residents.

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2020